I wasn’t expecting my spiritual mentor to die when he did.
It came as a complete shock. One minute he was here, and the next minute he was gone.
His name was Dr. Afolabi Epega. He was a round, jovial Nigerian man. That’s him in this photo.
He was fifth-generation Ifa diviner, and he was also a scientist with a PhD in organic chemistry.
Baba Epega made us laugh and he made us think. He had no fear of death because Spirit lives on forever, he said.
He taught me so many spiritual lessons before he died in 2006.
I’ll never forget what he said about keeping our doors open. I think about it every day.
He never understood why people fight so hard to stay in toxic, or dead relationships. He felt we should open our doors and let folks go.
“You can’t love people by force,” Baba said. “Open your doors.”
And that’s what I want you to meditate on today. Maybe it’s time to reflect on folks in your circle and open your doors.
And maybe it would be wise to ask yourself if it’s really worth hanging on to every single relationship.
This is what I’ve been doing. I’ve been cutting folks loose left and right.
I’m being a bit dramatic:) lol.
The cutting hasn’t been so deep but let me assure you that I have been opening my doors.
And I’m not looking back…
I’ve learned to say goodbye and I’m at peace with it.
Here’s the thing. If a relationship or friendship is draining your energy you won’t have the energy to focus on your vision, and you won’t even be able to relax.
Trust me, you need all the energy and joy you can get. We’re in the last quarter of 2023 and 2024 will soon be here.
You can’t move forward with a distracted mind. So let the distractions go. It’s time to elevate mind, body and soul.
Open some doors. You will be happy you did. Let me know if you are on board with this.
James
That’s what my mentor, Dr. Afolabi Epega used to say. His Spirit follows me around everywhere I go, and that’s why I had to share some of his wisdom in my book, Meditations Across The King’s River.
Some Spirits never leave you alone. LoL!
Baba Epega
The photo of Baba in this newsletter was taken when he was a very young man. Baba was a scientist as well as a fifth generation Ifa priest. He taught me the science and the art of Ifa divination.
And he died way too soon…
But his legacy and wisdom lives on. When Baba talks about keeping your doors open, he’s talking about relationships and friendships.
Pay close attention. His message applies to you — it applies to all of us.
Baba strongly felt we should not cling to people who want to leave us. “Never fight to stay in an unproductive relationship or friendship,” he said. If someone close to you wants to leave for any reason, by all means let her or him go. That’s right! Open your doors.
Here’s the thing.
By opening your doors, you make room for a new blessing, or a new relationship or friendship to enter your life. Blessings can’t enter a closed door.
Look! I know it’s not easy to let people go. But sometimes you have to, in order to grow. Like you, I’ve had to say goodbye to some folks. In many cases, I still love and miss them.
It’s painful at times, to be honest…
But then Baba’s words come back to me with clarity and warmth, and I realize that learning how to move on is one of the most important life lessons we all have to learn.
I would love to hear about your experiences in letting go…
So write me and I’ll be sure to write back as soon as time permits.
Until we talk again. All my love to you and your family!
“When you live by Spirit, there will always be a way made out for you,” says filmmaker Dalian Adofo, co-producer of the documentary Ancestral Voices, a film that combats misconceptions about African spirituality.
I’m interviewing Dalian by phone, and he’s telling me about his experiences working on Ancestral Voices 2, the sequel to his first film.
Dalian and Verona
It was a journey that took him to Brazil, the U.S., Haiti and South Africa…
Yet, despite the language barrier and other cultural and logistical challenges, things fell into place: the right guides stepped forward to assist in miraculous ways, and he was granted access to interview legendary healers and elders.
I love talking to Dalian, and his wife (and co-producer) Verona, because I know firsthand how challenging it can be to work on a film with very limited resources.
“The biggest lesson has been perseverance,” says Verona. “Filmmaking may look like fun, but the reality is much hard work goes into it. Trying to keep motivated with family commitments and financial challenges has been a major learning curve and a test of my own determination and commitment,” adds Verona.
Ancestral Voices 2 isn’t finished yet, but you can support their work by ordering Rituals For Living today and by spreading the word. Your support can help them go a long way.
Rituals For Living is a vignette about African rituals taken from Ancestral Voices 2. The proceeds from Rituals For Living will help them complete Ancestral Voices 2.
During a visit to London several years ago, I was lucky enough to meet and have dinner with this dynamic couple. At the time, Ajani, their first son was 3 years-old. Now, Nshira, their second son is here.
Dalian is originally from Accra, Ghana, and Verona is of Jamaican ancestry but was born in the UK.
“Our stories were not being told,” Dalian tells me. That’s what got them started on their filmmaking journey. “Our stories tend to get disregarded for the most part or our stories are intentionally misrepresented. Our stories deserve to be told, and it’s essential to get a proper understanding.”
What do they want viewers of Ancestral Voices 2 to understand?
African rituals are not as portrayed in Hollywood and can be life-affirming and self-sustaining.
The role that nature plays in African spirituality and in our lives.
African spiritual traditions are not monolithic but are inspired by a common source.
Their mission is not only to educate but to empower viewers by sharing simple rituals one can do at home. “You are your own solution,” Dalian says.
I’m a fan. Who’s ready for more empowerment?
To me, once you no longer trust your Spirit all is lost. Or, if you’re led to believe that you have no connection to the divine, all is lost.
We’ve got to get back to the basics…
I would love to hear what you think so feel free to send me an email, and I’ll get back to you with a response. In the meantime, you can learn more about Dalian and Verona by following them on Ancestral Voices Facebook Page:
You can also visit them their website at this link: Ancestral Voices
Until next time, may the ancestors bless you from the north, the south, the east and the west.
Blessings,
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
P.S. To join my new VIP club, text kingsriver to 55469 to take advantage of special offers and exclusive invitations
If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog article, sign up for my inspirational monthly newsletters below.
My body is in Cuba, but my soul is in Africa. It is the African soul that nurtures my body here in Cuba. Our people who were taken away have found their home again.”
– They Are We, a documentary film by Emma Christopher
I first learned about the film They Are We during a recent trip home to St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
They Are We resonates with me for several reasons and each one leads me back to my ancestors. The quest to learn more about them and myself while embracing the notion and/or the reality that the ancient ones still live through me.
My body is in Oakland, C.A, yet my soul also dwells in the Caribbean and in West Africa.
Where does your soul dwell? Why?
Despite centuries of oppression and cultural devastation, They Are We is a compelling reminder that profound connections can still be made to the Motherland in our times.
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River.
P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, sign up for my inspirational newsletter below.
He came in my dreams, the way ancestors often do, because that’s when we’re most receptive.
Baba Epega didn’t stay long.
I guess he had other things to do in the Other World. After all, an Awo’s (diviner’s) work is never done – not even on the Other Side.
Baba Epega was a world authority on Ifa; he was the co-author of the book, “The Sacred Ifa Oracle.” Baba was also a mentor to many, including myself, up until his passing in 2006.
And I can still hear Baba’s laughter and booming voice as he taught me the basics of divination.
In the dream, the other night, Baba was teaching me songs for the orisas.
Oddly enough, I don’t think Baba visited me by dream merely because he wanted to talk to me. After all, we had tons of conversations on earth.
I believe Baba wanted to talk to YOU!
For those who never had the privilege of meeting Baba, this is what I sense his Spirit is trying to say to you right now.
Listen carefully and take notes cause Baba’s a very busy man.
1. Be totally dedicated to what your spirit is calling you to do. No excuses.
2. When will love come into your life? When you learn to love yourself. When you have more self-respect.
3. Change your character if you expect to see changes in your life.
4. Be patient in all things! If you can’t follow ants, you can’t follow Ifa.
5. Study! Study! Study!
6. Don’t forget the ancestors. You’re nothing without the ancestors.
7. Sacrifice is important. There’s no way you can succeed without sacrifice.
8. The truth never changes; it never dies. The truth will always prevail.
9. The purpose of divination is to make you think; to give you alternatives.
10. Do not fear death; death is not the end; it is an obligation of life.
Blessings,
P.S. (To hear some brief audio clips of my old conversations with Baba Epega, visit this link:)
And if you enjoyed this article, sign up for my inspirational newsletter with the link below. It’s free.
